New Horizons Principal Investigator Alan Stern and the mission team's work to engage the public throughout the history-making New Horizons Pluto system flyby and subsequent phases of scientific discoveries excited the global community and fueled public interest for space.

Neil's lifelong passion for science, space exploration, and the quest to understand the universe’s far-flung mysteries fuels his prolific career as a popularizer of science. What makes this particular award presentation truly remarkable for all of us is as a 17-year old Neil was deciding where to pursue his education in space sciences, Carl, our co-founder, personally reached out to Neil to help set him on his path.

Through his books, television series and public lectures, Dr. Stephen Hawking, our 2010 Cosmos Award honoree, has engaged the public for over 20 years in some of the most profound questions of our existence – from the origins of the universe to the nature of black holes.

Filmmaker James Cameron was awarded the first Cosmos Award in recognition of his IMAX films that have allowed audiences to join true-life adventures with real explorers that are as exciting as any fictional plot that Hollywood could devise.

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